Matthew and the SPCA

I first started volunteering at the SPCA because I’ve adopted a few pets from there and I think it's an awesome organization. I also just missed my cat. 

Initially, I was reluctant to volunteer with the SPCA because I assumed it would be a large time commitment that I couldn't manage while doing university. BUT after finding out that it can only be 3 hours a week, I was all in. I have been volunteering at the SPCA, specifically with the cats, for over a year now. Getting to know the cats and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping them is incredibly fulfilling. Whatever the task, it’s easy to see the difference you are making in their lives and the importance of the work for the welfare of the animals. It is something I would highly recommend and I think it would be helpful to demystify a few things about volunteering with animals. 

You get to play and hang out with the animals - TRUE: I spend a portion of every shift dedicated to the cats' enrichment, which is an awesome reward after spending much of my shift cleaning up their living area. 

It sucks having to clean up their mess - FALSE: Although it can be a smelly job, most cats are reasonably clean and you get to play music while doing it, which can be quite fun. 

Animal rescue is sad - FALSE:  Personally, I never feel sad doing my shift even if there are some less fortunate cats because just being able to help them and knowing they are now going to get better gets rid of any bad feelings.

You get to spend time with other animals - TRUE: even if you work specifically with one type of animal, you get to spend time with others. When I finish a shift early, sometimes I get the chance to go and visit the puppies and play with them for a good part of my morning. 

You'll see mostly horrible stuff - FALSE: Dealing with animals that are less fortunate and visibly unwell or injured is a rare occurrence, and even when it does happen, it is mostly after a surgery that ultimately will help them feel better.

Volunteering takes heaps of time - FALSE: The SPCA and lots of other places have small time commitments, as they understand volunteers are likely to have a full time job or be a student. At the SPCA you are only expected to do one 3 hour shift a week. 

It only benefits the animals and not the volunteer - FALSE: The mahi can be really fulfilling and boost your mental health, as you feel you are contributing to a greater cause. 

One final awesome thing about volunteering at the SPCA is seeing how kind and giving people are, whether they are supporting the SPCA as volunteers or with donations. My SPCA experience has just been incredibly valuable, as it has made me feel more of a part of the community and made Dunedin feel more like home. 

If you are thinking about giving it a go, want to try something new and fun or if you just miss your pets back home then go and apply at some of the animal rescue places in Dunedin!